Poems and Prose

Success

Those are a Success who have lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who have gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children;
who have filled their niche and accomplished their task;
who leave the world better than they found it,
whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
who never lacked appreciation of the earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others and gave the best they had.

Bessie Anderson Stanley, 1904

To laugh often and much:
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed
easier because you lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson